Is there a minimum length of board that you can safely run through a thickness planer? Yup, there sure is. Below, Michael Dresdner explains why and, if you absolutely have to plane very short stock, how to get around the stock-length minimum safely. First, we'd like to mention another possibility: A drum thickness sander can be used with much shorter stock than a planer. Sanders in the Performax line, for example, can be used with stock as short as 2-1/4". But that brings up another debate: whether it's better to own a planer or a drum sander.

Q.I have a 12-inch planer. I have read that you cannot plane boards that are shorter than 12 inches. Is there a recommendation or requirement on the shortest length that one can run through a planer? If so, could one make a jig to hold shorter pieces of wood and run it through the planer? The reason I want to plane the smaller pieces is that I have a large quantity of maple, birch and pine slice that I want to use in scrollsaw work but need to plane them down to proper thickness, and want to use the planer. Any suggestion will be appreciated.

A. Michael Dresdner: "Good question, and the good news is there is a yes answer. First, let's look at why short pieces won't work, and then the solution will make more sense.

"A planer has two pressure rollers, one in front and one behind the cutter. These rollers hold down the board while it is being cut. If the board is short enough to fit in between the rollers -- so that it is not being held down by either when it is being assaulted by the cutter head -- it will be picked up and shredded, or possibly thrown back at you. The spinning cutter head creates a slight vacuum, and will lift a small piece of wood into its path. You can imagine the result.

"The solution is to attach longer outriggers of scrap wood to either side of the board. You'll end up with an H shaped unit, with the short board forming the cross of the H and the grain going the same way as the grain of the long outriggers. The planer will cut the outriggers as well, but they are scrap. More importantly, it will allow you to plane short pieces. Gluing them on is the simplest - you can cut them off once the board is thicknessed - but if you decide to use mechanical fasteners, such as screws or staples, make certain that you do not cut into the area where they are. Planer blades don't like eating metal."

Rick,<br /><br />After reading all of the positive comments we've gotten back on <a href="http://www.rockler.com/blog/index.cfm?commentID=107" rel="nofollow">drum sanders (versus thickness planers)</a> we're tempted to say, "Consider buying a drum sander," in response.<br /><br />Here's a link to a Woodweb thread that describes a method for <a href="http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Planing_Short_Thin_Stock.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">planing thin stock</a>. Be aware though, that we are not specifically endorsing doing things that way (neither does Woodweb), and do not take responsibility the results. Check the owner's manual of your planer for any conflicts or warnings about any unconventional methods you are contemplating. If the manufacturer has a technical support line available, giving them a call first isn't a bad idea. <br /><br />Did we mention the possibility of buying a <a href="http://www.rockler.com/CategoryView.cfm?Cat_ID=2463" rel="nofollow">drum sander</a>?

What People are Saying:

I have been using Rockler for years, your products are always the best that can be purchased and your prices are very reasonable. Ann you have always done your best to make me feel as though I was your very best customer. Thank you for great service."

- Daniel F.

What People are Saying:

I have been using Rockler for years, your products are always the best that can be purchased and your prices are very reasonable. Ann you have always done your best to make me feel as though I was your very best customer. Thank you for great service."